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VA officials discuss mental health concerns

Brunswick News (GA) - 9/11/2015

Sept. 11--The mental health of those who have served in the military is a growing concern to Veterans Administration officials.

VA officials realize it's an issue and they want to get rid of the stigma associated with seeking help.

That was the message they delivered during a mental health summit held Thursday at American Legion Post No. 9 in Brunswick.

Dr. Mathew Geyer, director of mental health at Carl Vinson Veterans Administration hospital in Dublin, said the intent of the meeting was to bring the VA clinics, hospital and the community together.

More than 25 percent of the patients seeking help at the VA hospital in Dublin -- about 9,200 of the 34,000 veterans treated each year -- have mental health issues, he said.

The issue is serious enough that five mental health experts are available at the Brunswick clinic.

"We want to be part of the mental health community here in Brunswick," Geyer said.

Since the start of Desert Storm in 1991, more veterans have committed suicide than have died in combat, VA officials said.

And the main cause of death among active duty service members the past several years is suicide, VA officials said.

But suicide and post traumatic stress disorder aren't the only mental health issues the veteran's clinic deals with.

Victims of sexual trauma are also a concern for veterans in the 52 counties served by the VA hospital.

Margaret Dukes, a VA official, said free care for victims of sexual trauma will be provided for a lifetime, if necessary.

"They will not be turned away from receiving care," Dukes said.

Other VA officials explained different programs covering a range of issues from suicide prevention and homelessness to outpatient and patient care services.

The hospital also offers preventative programs such as smoking cessation to losing weight, to helping veterans maintain their health.

Roger Tinkham, a Brunswick resident and veteran, said his concerns are the way veterans are treated by VA officials and those currently serving.

"VA is more agreeable, from what I heard today," he said. "The future veterans have more pressure."

VA officials said combat veterans are now screened before they are discharged to establish a baseline if they need help for mental health issues.

Bennie Williams, commander of the American Legion Post that hosted the meeting, said he'd like to see VA officials respond more quickly when a veteran has medical needs, whether they are physical or mental.

"Once a veteran is in the system, they can get decent care," he said. "There's no place to bring veterans to get timely help."

Williams said he was encouraged by the turnout of more than 45 people and with the presentations by VA officials.

Reporter Gordon Jackson

writes about Camden County and other local topics. Contact him at gjackson@thebrunswicknews.com, on Facebook or at 464-7655.

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